Epilepsy care in conflict and insecure areas

The challenges in health care system in Nigeria including poor infrastructure, inadequate manpower and inadequate funding affect Epilepsy care particularly in rural, conflict and insecure areas where patients suffer unnecessarily from the disease and its complications. A Community based approach in the BRIDGE Project explored the challenges faced by the BRIDGE Team in an area affected by conflict and insecurity (Kaduna State) between 2020 to 2024.

Low awareness of the disease and its causation; many associate the disease with spiritual possession leading to stigma and discrimination; Limited access  to health care facilities/services (supportive care; physiotherapy, rehabilitation, speech therapy etc ); Poor access to appropriate medication (drug type/ formulation/ 
genuineness); Lack of adequate resources for diagnosis and management; and lack of adequate number of skilled human resource to care for the disease were some of the challenges identified

Engagement with local community and leaders created increased awareness for care seeking behaviour; while Local training for local health care workforce improved capacity to diagnosis and care.